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[ANCHOR=Kim]

After months of investigations and hearings, the 9-11 Commission gets ready to unveil the findings of its report...
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[ENG#=1]
[VO-NAT]
And, crews continues to battle wildfires in California which have forced evacuations and already covered more than 42-thousand acres of land.
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[Video-Open]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=kmc]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]
[ENG#=1]
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[VO-NAT]
Never -before seen documents could be revealed when the 9-11 commission releases its report later this week.
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Good Afternoon, I'm Susan Bahorich, filling in for Kimberly McBroom.

[911-Commission]

At least one former C-I-A director is supporting the idea of a national intelligence director.
The Nine-Eleven commission is expected to recommend creating such a Cabinet-level post when it releases its final report later this week.
As Aleen Sirgany reports, the report is still days away, but is expected to be a full of scathing comments on intelligence failures prior to 9-11.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Members of the 9/11... ]
[SUPER=01-Randall Larsen/CBS News Consultant]
[SUPER=03-Washington, D.C.]
[SUPER=01-John McLaughlin/Acting CIA Director]
[SUPER=01-Aleen Sirgany/CBS News]
[RUNS=]
[OUT Q=AS, CBS NEWS, WASHINGTON, D.C.]

((members of the 9/11 panel know what went wrong leading up to the september 11th attacks and soon the public will know too.
their five hundred plus page report, to be released this week, includes previously secret documents from both the clinton and bush administrations. it tells the story of intelligence failures leading up to the worst terrorist attack on u.s soil in america's history.
((SOT --RANDALL LARSEN, CBS NEWS CONSULTANT: I THINK THERE IS PLENTY OF BLAME- FROM THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION, THE BUS
H ADMINISTRATION, CONGRESS, THE FBI AND THE CIA.))
in addition to what went wrong, members of the commission also outline proposals to ensure a safer america.
a key recommendation is already the source of controversy....the creation of a cabinet level position to oversee the nation's 15 intelligence agencies. at least one former c--i-a director says it's a good idea but the agencies' acting director doesn't agree.
((JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, ACTING CIA DIRECTOR: THIS NATION IS AT WAR. SO WE'LL HAVE TO PROCEED CAREFULLY AND MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T DISRUPT ANY OF THE THINGS THAT ARE UNDERWAY IN THAT WAR ON TERRORISM.))
((STANDUP: BUT HOW MUCH OF THE REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC IS STILL UNKNOWN. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION SAY THEY'RE STILL ARGUING WITH WHITE HOUSE LAWYERS OVER WHAT CAN BE RELEASED AND WHAT WILL REMAIN SECRET. ALEEN SIRGANY, CBSNEWS, WASHINGTON.))
))

[Iraq]

[ANCHOR=Susan]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Iraq]

[ENG#=3]

Another political figure has been assassinated in Iraq.
Militants opened fire on a defense ministry official as he walked to his home.
A co-worker blames Saddam Hussein's loyalists.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Safwan, Iraq]
Meanwhile, the last group of Filipino troops left Iraq ahead of schedule.
An embassy official told Reuters the 34 soldiers joined 11 others- who arrived in Kuwait on Friday.
The country was due to withdraw its soldiers from Iraq on August 20, but advanced the date to satisfy the kidnappers of Angelo de la Cruz, who is threatened with beheading unless his country pulled out of Iraq.
No word on de la Cruz.
(------------)

(( A thousand fire fighters are battling the Santa Clarita fire. Water dropping helicopters have been pressed into service, as unusually hot temperatures and erratic winds fan the flames.
((CPTN MARK WHALING, L.A. COUNTY FIRE: THIS IS THE TYPE OF FIRE BEHAVIOR WE NORMALLY SEE WITH SANTA ANA WINDS..(ETC) WE DON'T USUALLY SEE THIS UNTIL OCTOBER))
The fire closed a major highway thru the area and forced nearly a thousand people to evacuate.
(( NATS- IT'S BEST TO EVACUATE EARLY))
Many towed horse trailers as they left. In the confusions the evacuation was briefly lifted until swirling winds turned the fire back towards homes.
((FIRE CAPTAIN DENNIS CROSS- LA. COUNTY FIRE: THIS FIRE WILL BRUN UP FUEL UNTIL IT REACHES AREAS WHERE WE CAN MAKE A STAND THRU DOZIERS OR AIR DROPS.))
The Santa Clarita fire is just one of several wildfires that have burned more than 40 thousand acres across the state in recent days. But unlike last year's devastating wildfires which destoryed three thousand homes, this time few structures have been lost. Then again, it's still early in the fire season. Hattie Kauffman CBS News, Los Angeles.))

[11Blood-Shortage]

The Red Cross says blood levels in the region are critically low.
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[VO-NAT TAPE#=03-24 TC-1:59:16]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape;]
Some blood types in the Appalachian Region are now *below* a one- day supply.
Donations typically slow down during summer months, but Red Cross officials report the need for blood products is on the rise.
Supplies nationwide fell to their lowest point of the year this month.
Shortages of type-O and A-Negative are critical, but all blood types are needed.
To donate you must be 17- years- old, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health.
(+++++++)
[TAKE RED CROSS NUMBER FS]
To find out more or make an appointment you can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, or log onto our website at WDBJ7.com and click on the Red Cross Icon.
(+++++++)

[Tease1]
[HARD MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]
Coming up after the break, a local school system prepares its long awaited budget.
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[VO-NAT ]

Plus could a bad credit rating keep you from getting a better job?
It happened to one woman, now she is suing.
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[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #1]

[6-Craig-Skl-Budget]

It has taken a few extra months, but Craig County officials are finalizing the *school system's budget.*
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Craig Co.]
Most schools around the Commonwealth try to have a budget in place by April so they can alert teachers about assignments for the next year and get everything set for students.
Tomorrow night, the county is expected pass the school's budget after months of disagreement.
While, both sides are eager to move forward- school superintendent Dr. Rose Martin blames some of the problems on the extended General Assembly session in Richmond.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT@14:33:37.18]
[IN Q=With the amendment of the...]
((DR. ROSE MARTIN, CRAIG CO. SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT: WITH THE AMENDMENT OF THE BUDGET WE'LL GET A GREAT COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR OUR TEACHERS FOR THE NEXT YEAR. THE MCCLEARY RENOVATION -WE MIGHT HAVE TO PUT THAT ON HOLD, BUT WE'LL BE PAYING ON THE DEBT SERVICE OF THIS NEW BUILDING.))
[SUPER=01-Dr. Rose Martin/Craig Co. School Superintendent]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=... of this new building.]
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[VO-NAT]
Martin says the school system also had to hold off on plans to buy a special bus for handicapped students.
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[Kobe-Bryant]

[ANCHOR=Susan]
[NEWSCAST=noon]
[WRITER=sba]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=Bryant]

[ENG#=2]

Kobe Bryant may have closed a deal with the L.A. Lakers, but his sexual assault case continues in Colorado.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Eagle, CO]
Bryant is back in court today as lawyers work to tie up a few loose ends.
The judge has scheduled arguments on whether cell phone text messages and crime victims' compensation records can be introduced as evidence.
Two other pre-trial hearings have been set before jury selection begins.
A key issue still to be decided is whether the judge will allow jurors to hear testimony about the accuser's sexual history.
Bryant has pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault.
He maintains the young woman consented to a sexual encounter.
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[Discrimination]

[ANCHOR=Susan]
[NEWSCAST=Noon]
[WRITER=tbr]
[TAPE#=]
[GRAPHIC=None]

[ENG#=3]

A New York woman is suing one of the largest companies in the world.
Brenda Matthews says "Johnson and Johnson" discriminated against her because she has bad credit.
Michelle Miller has more.
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[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-New York, NY; :00]
[SUPER=01-Brenda Matthews/Plaintiff; :17 QUICK;]
[SUPER=01-Justin Swartz/Attorney; :50]
[SUPER=01-Michelle Miller/CBS News; 1:116]
[RUNS=2:23]
[OUT Q=CBS News New York]

((Brenda Matthews had her family's financial future in mind when she
accepted a better paying job.
She didn't know her finances could lead to losing it.
((MICHELLE MILLER:))
"THEY OFFERED YOU A JOB AND THEY TOOK IT BACK?"
((BRENDA MATTHEWS: ))
"I FELT THAT THEY ROBBED ME.. THAT I WAS DAVID AND THEY WERE
GOLIATH AND THEY BULLIED ME AROUND."

Justin Swartz is Matthews Attorney...
((GRAPHIC BEGINS))
and says Johnson and Johnson's letter to Matthews last fall proves
it.
In it.. the only reason given for rescinding the offer... Matthews
poor credit score.
((GRAPHIC ENDS))
((BRENDA MATTHEWS:))
"I SAID CREDIT. WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE JOB."

((STANDUP: MICHELLE MILLER: ))
"A NUMBER OF COMPANIES.. PARTICULARLY IN THE FINANCIAL AND
PHARMECUETICAL SECTORS... RESERVE THE RIGHT TO USE BACKGROUND CHECKS ON
PERSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES.. THOSE INCLUDE RUNNING CREDIT HISTORIES..
THE QUESTION... WHETHER OR NOT THE POLICIES ARE ADMINSTERED
FAIRLY... OR IF IN FACT THE PRACTICE IS FAIR AT ALL."
((GRAPHIC TWO BEGINS))
According to Freddie Mac.. one of the Nation's number leading
lending agencies... 48% of African Americans have bad credit records
compared to only 27% of whites.
((GRAPHIC ENDS))
((JUSTIN SWARTZ: ))
"IF YOU APPLIED THIS FACIALLY NUETRAL SEEMINGLY INNOCENT POLICY
ACROSS TEH BOARD IT WILL HURT AFRICAN AMERICANS MORE THAN IT WOULD HURT
WHITES."

Johnson and Johnson answered those charges... saying... Matthews
sought a job as a Patent Tax Specialist, a position responsible for the
timely payments of fees. Because of the nature of that position and its
responsibilities, a negative credit payment history would be relevant.
((JUSTIN SWARTZ: ))
"THE STUDIES SHOW THAT THE POLICY OF NOT HIRING PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY
HAVE BAD CREDIT IS NOT RELATED TO JOB PERFORMANCE IT'S FACUTLALY
INCORRECT.
((MICHELLE MILLER/BRENDA MATTHEWS ))
"WERE YOU QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB? YES I AM IF THEY DIDN'T FEEL I
WAS QUALIFIED. THEY WOULD NOT HAVE HIRED ME."

The NEW job would have meant a 12-thousand dollar raise for
Matthews.. and she says.. better opportunities for her 23 month old son
Christian.
And while Johnson and Johnson apologies for what they call the
"miscommunication"... the 27year old single mom awaits the EEOC ruling
she hopes will validate her claim. Michelle Miller. CBS News, New York.))

[11Roanoke-Airport]

Roanoke Regional Airport is making some big improvements.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke;]
Crews are now smoothing a section at the end of the runway and adding a drainage system.
That will make the area safer for passengers if a plane ever slides off the runway.
A new lighting system is also being installed.
Renovations will wrap up next year when the runway gets an overhaul.
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[SOT 13:20]
[IN Q=They have to take]
((JACKIE SHUCK: THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE RUNWAY DOWN ALMOST TO SURFACE AT THAT POINT AND GET A SLIGHT GRADE INCREASE OUT OF IT THAT'S SORT OF A HUMP.))
[SUPER=01-Jackie Shuck/Roanoke Regional Airport Director;]
[RUNS=07]
[OUT Q=sort of a hump]
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[VO-NAT]
The airport's new air- traffic- control tower is now complete and in the process of getting wired.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 12:19]
[IN Q=Now the FAA is in]
((JACKIE SHUCK: NOW THE FAA IS IN THERE BUSILY WORKING TO MAKE SURE ALL THE NAVIGATIONAL AIDS THAT ARE AROUND EITHER THE AIRPORT OR THE VALLEY ARE BEING HOOKED IN SO THE CONTROLLERS CAN SEE IT ALL.))
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=controllers can see it all]
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[VO-NAT]

Roanoke Regional plans to start using the new tower in December.
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[Tease2]
[SOFT MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]

Coming up next on the newscast,
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[VO-NAT ]
family and friends salute some members of the National Guard as they prepare for active duty.
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[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #2]

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[SOT 22:30:20]
((NATIONAL ANTHEM))
[RUNS= 03]
The 229th Chemical Company mobilized for active duty in February, 2003.
As it turns out they were never deployed, but sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families were great.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 23:10:20]
[IN Q=You know, it's not]
((GENERAL WILLIAMS: YOU KNOW, IT'S NOT EASY TO PACK UP AND LEAVE YOUR FAMILY, YOUR JOB, ALL YOUR SOCIAL CONTACTS AND MOVE FORWARD TO GO TO WAR AND THESE FOLKS STEP UP AND DO THAT.))
[RUNS= 09]
[OUT Q=and do that]
In return, the Army is conducting The Freedom Salute Campaign.
[INSERT FILE TAPE HERE]
So far 150,000 of America's Army National Guard soldiers have been mobilized in the War on Terroism.
[END FILE TAPE HERE]
The campaign is a nationwide effort to recognize everyone who makes the National Guard possible.
[22:39:59]
((SPECIALIST SARAH ALLEN))
[runs= 02]
One by one, members of the 229th and their families were called Sunday.
Soldiers were awarded an encased American flag and commemorative coin.
Their spouses received a lapel insignia along with a wealth of gratitude.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 23:11:34]
[IN Q=We think they're]
((GENERAL WILLIAMS: WE THINK THEY'RE A CRITICAL PART OF OUR TEAM AND WE LOVE THEM SO MUCH AND THAT'S WHY WE WANTED TO RECOGNIZE THEM.))
[RUNS= 06]
[OUT Q=to reocognize them]

(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:32:41]
[IN Q=and many awards and ]
((JENNIFER WISHON/JWISHON@WDBJ7.COM: AND MANY AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS ARE SURE TO FOLLOW. THE END OF AUGUST 47 MEMBERS OF THE CHEMICAL COMPANY WILL MOBILIZE FOR A MONTH OF TRAINING WITH A TRANSPORTATION COMPANY OUT OF ROCKY MOUNT.))
[RUNS= 11]
[OUT Q=out of Rocky Mount]
Specialists Justin and Keesey Presson met while preparing to leave for active duty in 2003.
They've now been married for nine months and are part of the 47 preparing to deploy once again.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 23:06:30]
[IN Q=How do you feel]
((Reporter: How do you feel about taking your wife with you? JUSTIN PRESSON: THAT'S GOING TO BE KIND OF STRANGE - I REALLY DON'T KNOW YET. KEESEY PRESSON: HE'S NOT TOO HAPPY ABOUT THAT, BUT UM, IF HE HAD HIS CHOICE I'D STAY, BUT I'M WILLING TO GO.))
[RUNS= 13]
[OUT Q=willing to go]
Until then, the Army will continue to recognize it's defenders of freedom... those who are seasoned and the ones who've yet to grow into their uniforms.
Jennifer Wishon, News 7, Roanoke.))
[Weather]
[NOON WEATHER]
[7/16/04]
[TWO SHOT]
[WXNET/FULL]
[WXPRO]
[MUSIC UNDER]
[COMMERCIAL]
[CK/WXPRO]WEATHER MAPS
[WXPRO/FULL] FORECASTS
EXTENDED FORECAST

[Stocks]

On Wall Street at Noon, the DOW JONES has lost 44 points. The NASDAQ has dropped five points.
[super=460-y/44/y/5;]

[Tease3]
[SPORTS MUSIC UNDER]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[ENG#=V10]
Coming up next in Sports,
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[VO-NAT ]
Dale Earnhardt Junior's practice run ends up with a trip to the hospital.
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[MUSIC UP FULL]
[COMM BREAK #3]

[S-TOUR]

It's an off day for cyclists at the Tour de France.
Frenchman Thomas Voeckler (VOHK'-lur) still leads by 22 seconds over five-time defending champ Lance Armstrong after they posted the same time in the 14th stage yesterday.
Ivan Basso (ee-VAHN BOSS-oh) is 99 seconds behind Voeckler.

[S-Junior]

NASCAR Nextel cup star Dale Earnhardt Junior is recovering in the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento California after suffering burns in a wreck during practice for an American le Mans Series race.
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[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Sonoma, CA/Speed Channel; :00]
Earnhardt's Chevrolet Corvette hit a barrier in turn eight and his car burst in to flames.
Earnhardt, who appeared stunned here as he sits behind the wheel as the car catches fire, got out of the car on his own before being assisted by safety crews.
He was treated for minor burns on his face and legs after the crash and was flown to the University of California-Davis Medical Center.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. David Green/UC-Davis Hospital; :00]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=....doing fine right now"]
(-----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Dr. Green indicated that Earnhardt told him that his protective burn pants were not all the way on, but most of the way and that limited the burns.
Green also said that Junior was sedated with narcotics to minimize the excruciating pain that often accompanies burns.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[RUNS=:17]
[OUT Q=..great guy"]
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